Who is Émile Durkheim in Philosophy?
Émile Durkheim was a renowned French sociologist, considered one of the founders of modern sociology. Born in 1858, in Épinal, France, Durkheim dedicated his life to the study of society and its structures, seeking to understand social phenomena and their influence on people's lives. His work is widely recognized and influential to this day, being a reference for scholars and researchers in the field.
Formation and Influences
Durkheim began his academic training at the École Normale Supérieure, in Paris, where he studied philosophy and social sciences. During this period, he was influenced by thinkers such as Auguste Comte and Herbert Spencer, who contributed to the construction of his sociological ideas and theories. Durkheim also had contact with the works of Karl Marx and Max Weber, which inspired him in his academic career.
Contributions to Sociology
One of Durkheim's main contributions to sociology was his scientific approach to social phenomena. He argued that society should be studied objectively and systematically, using scientific methods to analyze social facts. Durkheim believed that social facts were external to individuals and exerted a coercive influence on them, shaping their behaviors and thoughts.
Social Fact Theory
One of Durkheim's best-known theories is the theory of social fact. According to him, social facts are ways of thinking, acting and feeling that are external to individuals and coercive on them. These social facts are constructed and maintained by society, and exert pressure on individuals to conform to established norms and values. Durkheim argued that social facts are objective and can be studied scientifically.
Division of Social Labor
Another important contribution by Durkheim was his analysis of the division of social labor. He argued that the division of labor is a fundamental factor for social cohesion and the development of societies. Durkheim identified two types of social solidarity: mechanical, present in traditional societies, where individuals share common beliefs and values; and organic, present in modern societies, where interdependence between individuals is greater.
Religion and Society
Durkheim also dedicated himself to the study of religion and its relationship with society. He argued that religion plays a fundamental role in social cohesion, as it is responsible for establishing and reinforcing the values and norms shared by the community. Durkheim saw religion as a symbolic representation of society, which expresses its deepest beliefs and values.
Suicide and Anomie
In his work “Suicide”, Durkheim carried out a pioneering study on the phenomenon of suicide and its social causes. He identified that suicide rates varied according to social factors, such as the integration of individuals into society and the degree of social regulation. Durkheim also introduced the concept of anomie, which refers to the lack of clear social norms and values, which can lead to self-destructive behaviors.
Education and Socialization
Durkheim was also concerned with education and the role of school in the socialization of individuals. He argued that education should transmit the values and norms of society, preparing individuals to become productive and integrated members. Durkheim saw school as a fundamental institution for the formation of a collective consciousness and the maintenance of social cohesion.
Durkheimian Influence
Durkheim's influence on sociology is widely recognized and his work continues to be studied and debated by scholars around the world. His theories and concepts, such as social fact, the division of social labor and anomie, are fundamental for understanding social phenomena and their implications for people's lives. Durkheim left a lasting legacy for sociology and his work continues to be an important reference for the discipline.
Final Words
Émile Durkheim was one of the great thinkers in sociology, whose contributions to the understanding of society and social phenomena are invaluable. His scientific approach and analysis of social facts brought a new perspective to the study of society, influencing generations of sociologists and researchers. Durkheim left an important legacy for sociology and his work continues to be relevant and inspiring to this day.
